Developed from the basic Mi-8 airframe, the Mi-17 was fitted with the larger Klimov TV3-117MT engines, rotors, and transmission developed for the Mi-14, along with fuselage improvements for heavier loads. Optional engines for 'hot and high' conditions are the 1545 kW (2070 shp) Isotov TV3-117VM. Recent exports to China and Venezuela for use in high mountains have the new VK-2500 version of the engine with FADEC control.

The designation Mi-17 is for export; Russian armed forces call it Mi-8MT. The Mi-17 can be recognized because it has the tail rotor on the port side instead of the starboard side, and dust shields in front of the engine intakes. Engine cowls are shorter than on the TV2-powered Mi-8, not extending as far over the cockpit, and an opening for a bleed air valve outlet is present forward of the exhaust.

Two Egyptian Mi-17 helicopters after unloading troops during an exercise in October 2001.

Actual model numbers vary by builder, engine type, and other options. As an example, the sixteen new Ulan-Ude-built machines delivered to the Czech Air Force in 2005 with –VM model engines were designated as Mi-171Sh, a development of the Mi-8AMTSh. Modifications include a new large door on the right side, improved Czech-built APU, Kevlar armor plates around the cockpit area and engines. Eight have a loading ramp in place of the usual clamshell doors, and will load a vehicle up to the size of an SUV.

In May 2008 licensed production of the Mi-17 started in China, with production being led by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant JSC and the Sichuan Lantian Helicopter Company Limited in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The plant built 20 helicopters in 2008, using Russian Ulan-Ude-supplied kits; production is expected to reach 80 helicopters per year eventually. The variants to be built by Lantian will include Mi-171, Mi-17V5, and Mi-17V7.[2]

Mi-17s are operated by the Afghan Air Force. In July 2010 two Mi-17 were flown by a mixed crew of United States Air Force and Afghan Air Force personnel in a 13-hour mission that rescued 2,080 civilians from flood waters. This was the largest rescue by two helicopters in USAF history. USAF pilot Lt Col Gregory Roberts received the Distinguished Flying Cross for the mission.[6]

On 28 October 2008 the Royal Thai Army announced a deal to buy six Mi-17s to meet its requirement for a medium-lift helicopter. This is the first time the Thai armed forces have acquired Russian aircraft instead of American aircraft.[7] Flight International quotes the Thai Army’s rationale: "We are buying three Mi-17 helicopters for the price of one Black Hawk. The Mi-17 can also carry more than 30 troops, while the Black Hawk could carry only 13 soldiers. These were the key factors behind the decision."[8]

On 15 December 2008, it was reported that India ordered 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters worth $1.375 billion, which would be delivered to the Indian Air Force between 2011 and 2014 to replace aging Mi-8s.[9] In August 2010, it was reported that India planned to order another 59 Mi-17s.[10] The first Mi-17V-5s entered service with India in February 2012.[11] In December 2012, India signed a contract for 71 aircraft at a reported cost of US$1.3 billion.[12] In December 2014 it was reported that India is in agreement with the Russian Federation will produce on its territory Mi-17 and Ka-226T.[13]

On 10 July 2009, it was announced that Chile would pursue talks with Russia to purchase five Mi-17 multi-role helicopters for the Chilean Air Force, despite pressure from the United States.[15] However, as of January 2013, it seems that these plans were canceled.

The US was reportedly considering adding the helicopter to the US military for Special Forces use in order to obscure troop movements.[18] The US has used some Mi-8s and Mi-17s for training,[19] and has purchased units for allies in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.[18]

In September 2010, the Polish Defense Minister announced that his country would buy five new Mi-17s from Russia, to support Polish operations in Afghanistan. All five Mi-17-1Vs were delivered by 2011.[22]

In 2010, the Kenyan Air Force purchased three Mi-171 medium-lift helicopters to supplement its fleet of IAR 330 Pumas, which have been flying for more than 20 years.

In 2011, Chief of Staff of the Afghan National ArmyAbdul Wahab Wardak announced that the US government will buy Mi-17s for use by Afghanistan's troops. He explained the choice of the Russian helicopter over the American Chinook was due to the familiarity of the Afghan technical and pilot staff with the helicopter type and that it is better suited for Afghanistan's environment.[23] The United States continued to purchase the helicopters for Afghanistan in 2013, despite a congressional prohibition.[24] Overall, 63 Mi-17s were acquired through the 2011 contract at a cost of US$16.4 to US$18.4 million each, or US$4 to US$6 million more each than a refurbished American Chinook.[25]

China signed two contracts with Rosobornexport in 2009 and 2012 for 32 and 52 Mi-171E, respectively.[26]

Slightly modified version of Kazan's Mi-8MTV, built in Ulan-Ude from 1991 and still powered by TV3-117VM engines although nowadays VK-2500 engines are optional. Also known as Mi-171.

Mi-8AMTSh

Armed assault version of the Mi-8AMT, can carry the same range of weapons as the Mi-24 including the "Shturm" ATGM. Fitted with a new large door on the right side (except the prototype), aramid fiber plates around the cockpit area and engines, and sometimes a loading ramp in place of the usual clamshell doors. The Russian air force received a first batch of 10 Mi-8AMTSh in December 2010,[27] and a second batch in June 2011.[28] Deliveries were continued in 2012 and 2013.[29][30] Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract for 40 helicopters in August 2013.[31] First 8 upgraded helicopters were delivered in 2014.[32][33] Long-term government contract to supply modernized Mi-8AMTSh was signed in Ulan-Ude in August 2013 and provides for the delivery of unique machines – the first production batch with improved resource performance including significant savings on maintenance during the life cycle of the helicopter. Mi-8AMTSh passed to the Defense Ministry obtains a larger capacity engines VK-2500 with an upgraded (reinforced) transmission that provide objective control of exploratory work, and make the use of the helicopter in the highlands and hot climates more efficient.[34]

Mi-8MT

Basic updated version of the Mi-8T, powered by two 1,397 kW (1,874 hp) Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines. Provision for twin or triple external stores racks.[35] The export version is known as Mi-17.

Mi-8MTV

Hot and High version, powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM high-altitude turboshaft engines.[36] This type has a maximum ceiling of 6,000 m.[37]

Mi-8MTV-1

Radar-equipped civil version of the Mi-8MTV. Russian designation of the Mi-17-1V.

Mi-8MTV-2

Improved version of the MTV-1 with enhanced armour, updated systems, an anti-torque rotor and accommodation for 30 instead of 24 troops.

Mi-8MTV-3

Military version of the Mi-8MTV-2, fitted with four instead of six hardpoints, but the number of possible external stores combinations was increased from 8 to 24.

Mi-8MTV-5

Military utility transport helicopter, powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines and equipped with a loading ramp instead of the clam-shell doors, an additional door and a new "dolphin nose".

Mi-8MTV-5-Ga

Civilian version of the Mi-8MTV-5.

Mi-8MTKO

Night attack conversion of the Mi-8MT and Mi-8MTV helicopters. Known in Belarus as Mi-8MTKO1.

Mi-8MTD

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTF

Smoke-screen laying version.

Mi-8MTG

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT with "Gardenya-1FVE" single H/I-band jamming system. Export designation Mi-17PG.

Mi-8MTI (NATO Hip-H EW5)

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT with "Ikebana" single D-band jamming system. Also known as Mi-13, export designation Mi-17PI.

Mi-8MTPB (NATO Hip-H EW3)

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT with "Bizon" jamming system. Export designation Mi-17PP.

Mi-8MTPSh

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT with "Shakhta" jamming system. Export designation Mi-17PSh.

Mi-8MTS

Sigint version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTR1

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.The Russian Air Force (VVS) received three new Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare (EW) helicopters on 4 March of 2014. Mi-8MTPR-1 is a standard Mi-8MTV-5-1 with a 'Rychag-AV' active jamming station installed onboard. The helicopters are designed to be able to detect and suppress electronic command-and-control systems as well as the radars of surface-to air and air-to-air missiles. Additional Mi-8MTPR-1s are currently under construction, with the Russian Ministry of Defence is set to eventually receive 18 of the EW helicopters.[38]

Mi-8MTR2

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTSh1

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTSh2 (NATO Hip-H EW4)

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTSh3 (NATO Hip-H EW6)

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTT

Sigint version of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTYa

Electronic warfare version of the Mi-8MT with "Yakhont" system.

Mi-8MS

VIP version. Sub-variants are Mi-8MSO and Mi-8MSD.

Mi-17 (NATO Hip-H)

Improved version of the Mi-8, powered by two Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines. Basic production version.

Specialised version for the SAR units (Leteckej Pátracej a Záchrannej Služby) of Slovakia. Four ordered.[41]

Mi-17Z-2 “Přehrada”

Czech electronic warfare version with two large canisters on each side.

Mi-18

Prototype design, a modification of the existing Mil Mi-8. Two Mi-8s were extended by 0.9 meters (3 ft), the landing gear made retractable, and a sliding door added to the starboard side of the fuselage. The Mi-18s were used in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and later used as static training airframes for pilots of the Mi-8/8MT.

Chinese built variant of Mi-171 by Sichuan Lantian Helicopter Company Limited, with two radars, one weather radar in the forward section, and another Doppler navigational radar under tail boom. Clam shell doors are replaced by a single ramp door.

Mi-171E

Mi-171 equipped with VK-2500-03 engines to operate in extreme temperature limits, from -58 to 50 Celsius.[43]

Mi-171 with western avionics such as AN/ARC-320 transceiver, GPS and standard NATO flight responder.[44]

Mi-171Sh

Export version of the Ulan-Udes Mi-8AMTSh. Czech Republic and Croatia have ordered these types in 2005 and 2007. Bangladesh Air Force also operates Mi-171Sh as armed helicopter.[45] Two recent operators are Peru who ordered 6, all due for delivery in 2011,[46] and Ghana which received 4 of the helicopters in January 2013.[47]

Mi-172

Civil passenger version manufactured in Kazan plant and based on the Mi-8MTV-3.

On 14 January 2009, an Afghan National Army Mi-17 crashed in Herat while on route to Farah province. All 13 on board were killed, including Maj. Gen. Fazl Ahmad Sayar, one of Afghanistan's four regional commanders.[61]

On 14 February 2010, a Yemeni Air Force Mi-17 crashed in Northern Yemen, hitting an Army vehicle. All eleven people on board were killed, along with three others on the ground.[62]

On 28 July 2010, an Iraqi Air Force Mi-17 (Mi-8M) crashed in a sandstorm about 110 km south of Baghdad, killing all 5 occupants.[63]

On 19 November 2010, an Indian Air Force Mi-17 crashed near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India killing all 12 people on board. It had taken off from Tawang for Guwahati, and crashed about five minutes later at Bomdir.[64]

On 19 April 2011, a Pawan Hans Mi-172 burst into flames seconds before landing at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India, killing 17 people on board.[65]

On 16 September 2013, a Turkish Air ForceF-16 shot down a Syrian Mil-17 at the border after the helicopter violated Turkish airspace. Two crew members reportedly bailed out before the aircraft crashed in Syrian territory.[71]

On 9 November 2013, an Indonesian Army Mi-17 crash killed at least 13 people after the helicopter caught on fire in the jungles of Borneo.[citation needed]

On 26 January 2014, an Egyptian Army Mi-8/17 was shot down over the Sinai peninsula by local Islamist insurgents using a Russian built MANPADS. All five of the crew died.[72]

On 7 July 2014, a Vietnam People's Air Force Mi-171 military helicopter crashed on the outskirts of Hanoi while on a training mission for parachute recruits. Among 21 men on board, 16 died, 5 others were severely injured. The pilot crashed in a field, probably to avoid the local market and houses.[73][74]

On 10 July 2014, a Ministry of Internal Affairs (Macedonia) Macedonian police Mi-17-V5 crashed overnight during a training flight near the southern town of Strumica, killing all four people on board. The four crew members were all pilots, each with more than 30 years of flight experience. They were on a night training flight when the Mi-17-V5 hit a 120-meter (394-ft) tall television transmitter tower near Strumica, about 190 kilometers (120 miles) south of the capital Skopje.[75]

On 21 September 2014, an Egyptian Army Mi-8/17 crashed near Kom Oshem, Fayoum Governrate while on a transport mission from Bani Sweif Governrate. All the crew died.[citation needed]

On 13 March 2015, Serbian Army Mi-17 crashed just short of Belgrade airport[76] when employed in transportation, from Novi Pazar to military medical facility in Belgrade, of a 5-day old baby with respiratory problems due to road blockade by the landslide. All 7 individuals aboard, including four crew members, two medical staff and the patient have died.[77]

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